How to Make a Camera Obscura
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- Total Time Needed:
- 1-2 Hours
The camera obscura (Latin for "dark chamber") demonstrates an odd optic phenomenon. When light from a bright scene enters a darkened space through a tiny hole, the resulting image appears upside down. See for yourself with this homemade viewer that turns everything you look at topsy-turvy.
This project was adapted from the Pringles pinhole camera on exploratorium.edu. To learn more about how the camera works, visit the website and search for "Pringles pinhole."
- Materials
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- Ruler
- Marker
- Snack can with transparent lid (we used a Pringles can)
- Craft knife
- Vellum
- Duct tape
- Pushpin
- Decorative paper
- Double-sided tape
- Instructions
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Measure and draw a line around the can 2 inches from the bottom. Cut through the line with the craft knife (a parent's job) to create two can sections. Trace the bottom of the can onto a sheet of vellum, then cut the circle out.
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Stack the pieces in this order: the bottom of the can (open end up), the lid, the vellum circle, and the top of the can.
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Thoroughly wrap the seam with duct tape so that no light can come in.
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Flip the viewer over and use the pushpin to make a small hole in the center of the can's bottom.
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For a more finished look, cover the viewer with paper secured with double-sided tape. To use your viewer, hold it up to one eye and gaze at a bright scene (something lit by sunlight works best). To block out light, use one hand to cup the viewer to your eye.
Adapted with permission, © Exploratorium, www.exploratorium.edu
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